Go with the 6-inch Hardin.

At the same time, you need to buy:

-- 2X Barlow (this doubles the number of eyepieces you have)
-- Books:
----- "Skywatching" by David Levy
----- "Turn Left At Orion"
-- Planisphere
-- Red LED flashlight.

You will need a simple adjustable seat. The Denver Chair is just such a
device, you can build it out of a single 8-foot 2x4, 2-foot square piece of
3/4-inch plywood, and a few pieces of hardware -- $25.00 tops.
http://www.schlatter.org/Dad/Astronomy/chair.htm

--

----
Joe S.



"Mark Segall" wrote in message
...
BlankI am lookingf at getting my son a first telescope and we are
budgeting
$200-300USD.

Possibly I did too much (or not enough) research, but have narrowed down
to
the following reflectors: TAL-1 (110mm $299), Orion SpoaceProbe 130mm
($229), and Hardin Deep Space Hunter 6" Dobsonian.

From my reading, the TAL-1 would probably have the best optics (1/6 wave),
mount (German EQ), and base (rock solid pedestal); but the smallest
aperture
and highest price. Plus, this includes a barlow, solar projection screen,
lunar filter, and camera mount. But harder to find compatible upgrades.

The Orion is ok-good optics, bigger aperture, and lowest price but light
aluminum tripod.

The Hardin has the biggest aperture of the group, Dobsonian base (which
has
its pros and cons), good price (currently on sale from $299) but not sure
of
the optics.

Also, I recently saw an online add for an "Event Horizon" 6 inch Reflector
which they claim was MSRP $649 on sale for $189 (closeout) with 1/8 wave
mirror; but I haven't heard of that brand in my research.